UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon says he hopes a new Arab plan to end the violence in Syria is carried out as soon as possible, according to a UN press release.

Syria has reportedly accepted the plan proposed by the Arab League, which includes the release of prisoners, the withdrawal of security forces from the streets, and talks between the government and opposition, according to media reports.

The UN says more than 3,000 people have been killed since President Bashar al-Assad's administration began its crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in March.

Reacting to news of the deal, Washington again called on Assad to step down, saying he has lost his legitimacy.